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State Senator
Michael F. Rush
Norfolk and Suffolk District · Democrat · Senate Majority Whip
Towns: Boston, Dedham, Norwood, Walpole, Westwood (some only in part)
- 2025–2026 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
- 2023–2024 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
- 2021–2022 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
- 2019–2020 State Senator, Norfolk and Suffolk · Democrat
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Election Day · Tuesday, Nov 3
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Find my ballot →Record at a glance · 2025–2026 · Senate
230 of 237roll calls voted on (97%) · whole Senate 99%
57no votes (25% of votes cast) · whole Senate 23%
2 of 98split votes where Rush was in the minority (2%) · whole Senate 14%
0times voted “present”
Session by session
| Session | Roll calls voted on | No votes | In the minority (split votes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 230 of 237 | 57 | 2 of 98 |
| 2023–2024 | 236 of 250 | 46 | 0 of 81 |
| 2021–2022 | 257 of 258 | 53 | 0 of 102 |
| 2019–2020 | 459 of 471 | 69 | 9 of 246 |
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official House and Senate roll calls. Quorum calls are not counted, nor joint sessions and the vote electing the Senate President.
- “Roll calls voted on” matches the Missed votes figures below; voting “present” counts as voting.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no (ties not counted). “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes.
- “Whole Senate” combines every member’s record for the same session. Percentages are shown only with at least 10 votes to count.
- Most bills pass or die without a roll call, so these numbers cover only part of a legislator’s work.
- Party is shown as the Legislature lists it, next to the district. MassVoter never compares, groups or ranks legislators by party.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates legislators.
Committees and leadership · 2025–2026
Leadership: Senate Majority Whip
- Senate Committee on Personnel and Administration Chair
- Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
- Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
- Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
- Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Most bills are shaped in committee before any floor vote; committee chairs decide which bills move. Source: malegislature.gov (committee lists as of Oct 10, 2026).
Missed votes
2025–2026so farSenateMissed 7 of 237 roll callsRank 38 of 40 senators97%voted2023–2024SenateMissed 14 of 250 roll callsRank 40 of 40 senators94%voted2021–2022SenateMissed 1 of 258 roll callsRank 31 of 40 senators99%voted2019–2020SenateMissed 12 of 471 roll callsRank 40 of 41 senators97%votedRoll calls this member did not vote on, while serving in the Senate. Ties share a rank. The record does not say why a member did not vote. See every senator →
Campaign money
$187,929raised in 2025–26
$224,998spent in 2025–26
$2,610cash on hand through Sep 30, 2026
Where the 2025–26 contributions came from
Gifts from individuals
Outside spending in 2026
Groups not tied to the campaign reported spending $37,142 to support Michael F. Rush.
- Massachusetts Realtor Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee to support $36,357
- Retired Public Employees PAC to support $785
Year by year
| Year | Raised | Spent | Cash at the end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $106,668 | $172,822 | $2,610 so far |
| 2025 | $81,261 | $52,176 | $68,763 |
| 2024 | $43,442 | $41,215 | $39,678 |
| 2023 | $36,052 | $36,898 | $37,289 |
| 2022 | $29,303 | $36,529 | $38,035 |
| 2021 | $41,489 | $28,985 | $45,166 |
| 2020 | $28,701 | $29,353 | $32,662 |
As reported to OCPF. See the full reports at OCPF
How to read this
- Candidates report to OCPF, the state’s campaign finance office. Most file with a bank that reports to OCPF, so totals are updated often.
- “Raised” is all money the campaign took in, including loans from the candidate. “Cash on hand” is what was left on the latest report.
- Shares count contributions only, from the line-by-line reports up to the latest bank report date, so they are shown as percentages. “PACs and other political committees” includes party committees. “Small gifts not listed one by one” are gifts of $50 or less that the law lets campaigns report as one total.
- Outside spending is money spent by groups that are not part of the campaign, such as independent expenditure PACs. The candidate does not control it.
- Federal candidates (U.S. Senate and U.S. House) report to the Federal Election Commission, not OCPF, and are not shown here.
- MassVoter updates these numbers every night from OCPF. Last update: October 13, 2026.
These numbers describe the money; they are not a grade. Raising more or less is neither good nor bad. MassVoter does not connect donations to votes or positions.
Financial interests: State and county elected officials, and candidates for those offices, must file a yearly Statement of Financial Interests with the State Ethics Commission, listing sources of income, business interests and real estate. Anyone can ask for a copy; the Commission tells the filer who asked. How to request a copy (State Ethics Commission)
In the news
No recent stories found that name Michael F. Rush in the headline or opening.
Stories that name Michael F. Rush in the headline or opening, newest first, from 25 free news outlets (see the list). Headlines appear as each outlet published them; MassVoter does not write, choose or rate them. Only stories that are free to read are listed.
Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Most divided votes
For each session, the 10 roll calls where the losing side was largest, with how Michael F. Rush voted. Most roll calls in the Massachusetts Legislature pass by wide margins, so these are where members split the most.
2025–2026
To save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes19–20 · Amendment rejectedTo save people money, repair the climate and grow the economyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2027Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting rule of law, oversight, trust and equal constitutional treatmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedModernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis lawsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–26 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedState budget for fiscal year 2026Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–28 · Amendment rejectedFiscal Year 2025 Supplemental AppropriationsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedProposed Joint Rules for the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–29 · Amendment rejectedEarlier sessions (30)
Enhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedEnhancing the health care market review processAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–30 · Amendment rejectedRelative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadershipAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes31–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes30–9 · Amendment adoptedState budget for fiscal year 2025Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Final approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Did not vote29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Accept the final compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiatorsVoted: Did not vote29–9 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2024Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–27 · Amendment rejectedTo improve the Commonwealth’s competitiveness, affordability, and equityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No9–30 · Amendment rejectedPromoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and servicesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedRelative to forfeiture reformAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedRelative to work and family mobilityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedRegulating sports wageringAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–26 · Amendment rejectedDriving climate policy forwardAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–28 · Amendment rejectedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–29 · Amendment rejectedEstablishing Congressional districtsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes26–13 · PassedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No12–26 · Amendment rejectedFostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and securityAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No13–25 · Amendment rejectedProposed Senate Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative SessionAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No10–29 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing and accelerating transportation investmentAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes16–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–24 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–25 · Amendment rejectedRelative to voting options in response to COVID-19Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedRelative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No18–19 · Amendment rejectedRelative to automated enforcementAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No13–24 · Amendment rejectedRelative to educational opportunity for studentsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No14–24 · Amendment rejectedTo reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of colorAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No16–23 · Amendment rejectedVotes by topic
Roll calls sorted by subject, from the bill title and the question voted on. A vote can fall under more than one topic; budget amendments mostly fall under Taxes and budgets. Tap a topic to see each vote.
Taxes and budgets 480
Health and human services 82
Water, sewer and environment 82
Roads, traffic and transit 49
Schools and education 44
Police, fire and public safety 41
Parks, recreation and libraries 25
Housing and zoning 15
Elections and how government runs 14
Energy and utilities 14
Licenses and permits 12
Appointments and hiring 12
Veterans 11
Bills they filed · 2025–2026
Michael F. Rush filed 85 bills as lead sponsor this session, including 2 filed “by request”. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Filing a bill puts an idea before the Legislature. Most bills are not voted on as filed: committees often combine several bills into one new bill, so a law can include a legislator’s idea without carrying their bill number. MassVoter lists what was filed, not what passed. Bills marked “by request” were filed for a constituent, as the state constitution’s right of petition allows, and may not reflect the legislator’s own view.
Veterans 18
Health and human services 11
Police, fire and public safety 7
Schools and education 5
Taxes and budgets 5
Appointments and hiring 4
Roads, traffic and transit 2
Water, sewer and environment 2
Parks, recreation and libraries 1
Energy and utilities 1
Housing and zoning 1
Licenses and permits 1
Other subjects 35
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 11, 2026).
Bills they signed on to · 2025–2026
Michael F. Rush signed on as a co-sponsor of 594 bills filed by other legislators this session. Co-sponsoring means adding your name in support when a bill is filed; it is not a vote. Sorted by subject from each bill’s title; a bill can fall under more than one.
Health and human services 68
Schools and education 45
Water, sewer and environment 33
Housing and zoning 28
Police, fire and public safety 28
Appointments and hiring 25
Taxes and budgets 23
Roads, traffic and transit 22
Veterans 14
Energy and utilities 12
Elections and how government runs 12
Licenses and permits 8
Parks, recreation and libraries 3
Other subjects 317
Source: malegislature.gov (as of Oct 10, 2026). Bills they filed themselves are not listed here.
How Michael F. Rush voted
1,226 recorded votes
Relative to the creation of a women's rights history trailApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to temporary registration platesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedProhibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstylesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No11–29 · Amendment rejectedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedMaking appropriations for fiscal year 2022 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projectsAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedAuthorizing the town of Sudbury to transfer a certain parcel of landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes38–0 · PassedRelative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homesApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Co-sponsor Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedRelative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homesAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes38–1 · Amendment adoptedAuthorizing the conveyance of a conservation restriction on the land known as Inter Lochen Park in the town of SharonFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedRelative to expanding equitable access to maternal postpartum careApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedTo increase access to disposable menstrual productsApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedRelative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparencyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes38–0 · Amendment adoptedRelative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparencyAdd a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No7–31 · Amendment rejectedAuthorizing the city of Northampton to amend a certain conservation easementFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes38–0 · PassedAuthorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a certain easement in the town of SavoyFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2022Approve the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes40–0 · PassedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2022Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: No8–31 · Amendment rejectedSupplemental budget for fiscal year 2022Add a proposed change (amendment) to the billVoted: Yes39–0 · Amendment adoptedAuthorizing the city of Cambridge to use certain land for general municipal purposes and the installation of subsurface geothermal wellsFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedTo allow the town of Andover to transfer conservation landFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the town of Middleborough to lease to the town of Plympton land owned by Middleborough and located in PlymptonFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedAuthorizing the city of New Bedford to convey certain land acquired for open space and play ground purposesFinal approval before the bill goes to the GovernorVoted: Yes39–0 · PassedTo provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessnessApprove the bill in this chamber (it still needs the other chamber and a final vote)Voted: Yes39–0 · PassedSource: official profile on malegislature.gov. Only roll call votes are listed; bills passed on a voice vote have no individual record. MassVoter never grades or scores legislators. How to read this